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Resources

The following resources are provided for the interest of schools and districts and are not endorsed by the Nebraska Department of Education. Resources appear under headings to make them easy to locate. Headings include the following:

Assessments (phases 1, 3, 4)

The Goals of Educational Equity and School Reform
This book offers a tool for assessing improvement toward achieving goals of educational equity. The assessment provides four ratings for each of multiple questions that point to criteria for achieving specific improvement goals. Assessment results allow the school to make adjustments in program implementation. Scott, B. (2002). The goals of educational equity and school reform. San Antonio, TX: IDRA.

Making the Grade: A Racial Justice Report Card
This computer program, developed by the Applied Research Center, can be used to assess the degree to which your school produces equitable outcomes for students of different ethnic, cultural, and gender groups.http://www.arc.org/content/view/234/36/

Preventing Disproportionality by Strengthening District Policies and Procedures – An Assessment and Strategic Planning Process
This process is designed to help state education agencies and local school districts address issues that may negatively affect students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The book contains a tool for teams to use in examining district policies, procedures, and practices in both general and special education. Four areas are prioritized: core functions, instructional services, individualized education, and accountability. Kozleski, E. B., & Zion, S. (2006). Preventing disproportionality by strengthening district policies and procedures – An assessment and strategic planning process. National Institute for Urban School Improvement.

Project Implicit
Scientific research has demonstrated that we all have biases, whether consciously or unconsciously held. The Implicit Association Test allows individuals to see their own unconscious biases. Separate tests allow for the test-taker to examine his/her biases about race, age, disability, gender and more.

Tools for Assessing School and District Practices
The National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational systems offers three tools that assist schools and districts in assessing practices related to equity and diversity:

The Mississippi Cultural Responsivity Matrix: A Teachers’ Self-study Guide for Culturally Responsive Practices in Grades K-6: Reading and Mathematics. This assessment helps educators determine whether mathematics and reading curriculum guides and strategies are inclusive of the cultural and background experiences of their students.

Equity in Special Education Placement: A School Self-Assessment Guide for Culturally Responsive Practice

A rubric designed to examine district practices that may be contributing to disproportionate special education referral, identification and placement of students who are culturally and linguistically diverse.

Using Data to Close the Achievement Gap: How to Measure Equity in Our Schools
Research reveals gaps in academic achievement among students of different income levels and races. This book provides questionnaires, surveys, forms, and models that can assist educators in identifying school practices that can contribute to inequitable results. Johnson, R. S. (2002). Using data to close the achievement gap: How to measure equity in our schools. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc.

Closing the Poverty and Culture Gap: Strategies to Reach Every Student
In this book, the authors examine the effects of poverty on children. They say, “there is a vast difference between the effects of poverty on children living in a volatile inner-city neighborhood riddled with daily violence and a child living in poverty in rural America” (p. xiv). The authors’ stated goal is to “provide a framework for teaching that includes the instructional practices that make the most difference in student learning modified for culture and poverty, not just for poverty” (p. xv). Tileston, D. W., & Darling, S. K. (2009). Closing the poverty and culture gap: Strategies to reach every student. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Project REACH

Building Global Bridges (Grades 6 & 7)
This book offers lessons and activities teachers can use to develop student diversity leadership skills. The first unit, “Cultural Identity,” focuses on students exploring their own personal cultures as well as those of others. The second unit, “Building Global Bridges,” provides information on how to teach students about the three inter-connected societies in which we all live: (1) a multiethnic society, (2) a multicultural society, and (3) a global society. http://www.reachctr.org/catalog.html

Ethnic Perspective series
This series of books, designed for both middle and high-school level students, examines Hispanic/Latino, African American, American Indian, Asian American, and European American perspectives on U.S. history. http://www.reachctr.org/catalog.html

Grades K-6
Appropriate for students in grades K-6, this book provides a model for integrating multicultural/global perspectives into lessons and activities. Included is a multi-disciplinary unit at each grade level that focuses on helping students build self-esteem and human relations skills and develop multicultural awareness and skills. http://www.reachctr.org/catalog.html

Secondary Level
Appropriate for students in middle and high school, this book provides a model and sample lessons that integrate multicultural concepts into a variety of subject areas. The manual includes a self-assessment instrument that enables educators to examine the “hidden curriculum” and an annotated bibliography. http://www.reachctr.org/catalog.html

Teacher Guide (Middle/Junior High School)
This guide offers lessons and activities that provide students with both information and attitudes by involving them in activities in the following areas: Cultural Self-Awareness, Communication Skills, Cross-Cultural Experience, and Multicultural Knowledge. http://www.reachctr.org/catalog.html

Reading, Writing, and Rising Up: Teaching about Social Justice and the Power of the Written Word
This book offers essays, lesson plans, and a collection of student writing in the area of teaching language arts in the context of social justice. Christensen, L. (2000). Reading, writing, and rising up: Teaching about social justice and the power of the written word. Milwaukee, WI: Rethinking Schools.

Turning on Learning: Five Approaches for Multicultural Teaching Plans for Race, Class, Gender and Disability
This book provides numerous lesson plans in various subject areas and for grade levels 1-12. Included are action research activities teachers can use to investigate their own instruction. Each lesson plan offers a version of the lesson as it is usually taught, followed by a version showing how the lesson can be improved. Grant, C. A., & Sleeter, C. E. (2009). Turning on learning: Five approaches for multicultural teaching plans for race, class, gender and disability (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Zinn Education Project
Free, downloadable lessons and articles geared toward middle and high school students are provided on this website. Materials are organized by theme, time period, and reading level. The Zinn Project focuses on resources that emphasize the historical roles of working people, women, people of color, and social movements. The project is coordinated by Rethinking Schools and Teaching for Change. http://zinnedproject.org/about

Leadership (phases 1, 2, 3, 4)

Courageous Conversations about Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in SchoolsThis book addresses issues that are important for educators who want to know how to narrow the racial achievement gap among students. The authors offer reflections, activities, exercises, and cases for administrators and teachers to use as they practice anti-racist leadership. Singleton, G. E., & Linton, C. (2006). Courageous conversations about race: A field guide for achieving equity in schools. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc.

Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders
This book provides information and tools to help school leaders become aware of unintentional cultural or ethnic biases, understand how differences and distrust among races and cultures affect human interaction, and use student and teacher diversity as resources in schools. Lindsey, R. B., Robins, K. N., & Terrell, R. D. (2009). Cultural proficiency: A manual for school leaders (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc.

Equity Toolkit for AdministratorsThis resource is intended to help educators and community members create a plan and action steps for building a school culture that prevents prejudice and harassment based on race, ethnicity, culture, lifestyle, language, socioeconomics, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and ability. Resources are provided to support school staff as they develop intervention plans and, if necessary, work through a school crisis. Colorado Department of Education. (2010). Equity toolkit for administrators. Denver, CO: Author.

Leadership for Equity and Excellence: Creating High-Achievement Classrooms, Schools, and DistrictsThese authors discuss how biases prevent educators from ensuring that students reach their potential. They encourage educators to develop strategies for advancing the success of all students by using tools such as accountability and equity audits. Scheurich, J. J., & Skrla, L. E. (2003). Leadership for equity and excellence: Creating high-achievement classrooms, schools, and districts. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc.

Racial Equity PolicyThis policy is an example of how a school board can provide a framework for developing and reviewing policies on race relations and equity. The policy includes a preamble or vision, and a statement of principles or mission statements, followed by policies, guidelines, and procedures (objectives). Nova Scotia Department of Education. (2002). Racial equity policy. Crown: Author.

Professional Development (phase 4)

2011 C.A.R.E. Guide: Strategies for Closing the Achievement Gaps
The C.A.R.E Guide offers concrete ways to examine and change curriculum and classroom practices. The guide includes student activities, educator reflection opportunities, and video clips of experts sharing tips from research and practice for educating students from culturally diverse backgrounds and/or low-income families.

Culturally Proficient Instruction: A Guide for People Who TeachThe authors suggest that this book and its activities are to enable teachers to examine some of their basic assumptions about teaching and commit themselves to using culturally proficient instructional practices. The audience for the book includes the full range of instructors, from PK-12 teachers to university professors to professional development facilitators. Nuri-Robins, K. J., Lindsey, D. B., Lindsey, R., B., & Terrell, R. D. (2012). Culturally proficient instruction: A guide for people who teach. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Culturally Proficient Learning Communities: Confronting Inequities Through Collaborative CuriosityThis book brings together the ideas of culturally proficient practices and professional learning communities. The authors assert that members of culturally proficient learning communities seek to become better educators by exploring and building knowledge about the diversity of their own communities and recognizing the effects of cultural assumptions on their communities. Lindsey, D. B., Jungwirth, L. D., Pahl, J. V. N. C., & Lindsey, R. B. (2009). Culturally proficient learning communities: Confronting inequities through collaborative curiosity. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

A Framework for Understanding Poverty
This workshop, developed by Ruby Payne, is intended to educate people about the differences that separate economic classes and then teach strategies to bridge those gulfs. The author discusses the social cues or “hidden rules” that govern what we think and how we interact and the significance of those rules in a classroom. http://www.ahaprocess.com/store/Family_Framework.html

Generating Expectations for Student Achievement (GESA): Teacher K-12 program
GESA is a staff development program designed to aid teachers in identifying and removing classroom biases. GESA peer coaching has resulted in teachers reporting positive effects on student attitudes and achievement. The website also offers trainings designed specifically for parents and for administrators.

School Improvement Network The School Improvement Network website offers DVD programs and written resources for teachers and administrators to use in developing their knowledge and skills in the areas of diversity and equity. The Network provides professional development resources said to be “practical, scalable, and measurable.”

SEED Project on Inclusive Curriculum (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity)
This equity project for educators provides teacher-led faculty development seminars in public and private schools throughout the U.S. and in English-speaking international schools. A week-long SEED summer New Leaders’ Workshop prepares teachers to hold year-long reading groups with other teachers to discuss making school climates and curricula more gender-fair and multi-culturally equitable.

A World of Difference
Developed by the Anti-Defamation League, this training program offers teachers and community groups free workshops in such areas as designing extracurricular activities for youth, teaching conflict resolution techniques, and involving immigrant parents in their children’s activities.

But that’s Just Good Teaching!In this brief article, the author presents key lessons learned through six years of research with excellent teachers of African American students. After providing background information on the linkages between school and culture, she discusses the concept of culturally relevant pedagogy as teaching that is committed to student (a) experience of academic success, (b) development and/or maintenance of cultural competence, and (c) development of critical consciousness. Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). But that’s just good teaching! The case for culturally relevant pedagogy. Theory into Practice, 34(3), 159-165.

The Campaign for Educational EquityThis website offers five white papers prepared for the 2011 forum, Achievable and Affordable: Providing Comprehensive Educational Opportunity to Low-Income Students. The basic premise of the Campaign is that closing the achievement gap requires equity in education to focus both on formal school settings and on educationally relevant “out-of-school” services for students who need to overcome the impediments that poverty presents to learning. The website also offers audio podcasts of prior year forums, links to information from Annual Equity Symposia, a series of research reviews (Equity Matters), and an Education, Equity, and the Law series of publications. http://www.tc.columbia.edu/equitycampaign/article.asp?id=8219

Disproportionate Representation of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in Special EducationThis brief provides judicial and policy background information on the overrepresentation of culturally and linguistically diverse children in special education programs. It discusses varying viewpoints on how to measure the problem and how to address it. Coutinho, M. J., & Oswald, D. P. (2006). Disproportionate representation of culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education: Measuring the problem. A Practitioner Brief. Phoenix, AZ: NCCRESt, Arizona State University. http://www.niusileadscape.org/lc/Record/154?search_query=
Disproportionate%20Representation

Educating citizens in a multicultural societyJames Banks argues that an effective citizenship education helps students acquire the knowledge, skills, and values needed to function effectively within their communities, states, nation, regions, and the global community. It also helps students to acquire perspectives and values needed to attain equality and social justice for all people. Banks, J. (2007). Educating citizens in a multicultural society. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

A Framework for Understanding Poverty
This book examines the hidden rules of economic class and how they govern how we think and interact. It was written for teachers but is also appropriate for community members. Its purpose is to educate people about the differences that separate economic classes and then teach the strategies to bridge those gaps – particularly in the classroom. Payne, R. K. (2005). A framework for understanding poverty (4th rev. ed.). Highlands, TX: aha! Press.

Intercultural UnderstandingThis volume presents information, current trends, and research from multiple authors, each relevant to exploring and promoting intercultural understanding. Issues addressed by the authors include acculturation of refugees, perspectives of adolescents regarding culture, diversity, and intercultural sensitivity in interactions; special education and educational decision making for ELLs, and parental involvement. Dam, P., & Cowart, M. T. (Eds.). (2007). Intercultural understanding. Denton, TX: Federation of North Texas Area Universities.

The Light in Their EyesThe author’s premise is that student learning needs to be the primary objective of multicultural education. The stated purpose of her book is to examine practices, educator attitudes and values, and school policies and practices that can promote student learning, especially for students of color and students of poverty. Her focus is not, however, only on these students. She defines multicultural education as “an antiracist and basic education for all students … that is characterized by a commitment to social justice and critical approaches to learning” (p. 26). Throughout the book, Nieto includes journal entries, commentaries, and cases written by others to illustrate key points. Nieto, S. (2010). The light in their eyes: Creating multicultural learning communities. 10th Anniversary Edition. New York: Teachers College Press.

Linguistic diversity and teachingThis book presents four case studies that describe situations that monolingual English speaking, Euro American teachers might face in schools that serve a linguistically diverse student population. The authors end the book by discussing challenges associated with teaching students whose home language is one other than English. Commins, N. L., & Miramontes, O. B. (2005). Linguistic diversity and teaching. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.

Mindset. The New Psychology of SuccessIn this book, the author delves into the question, “What are the consequences of thinking your intelligence or personality is something you can develop, as opposed to something that is a fixed, deep-seated trait?” (p. 4). Based on 20 years of research, the author presents and discusses the concepts of fixed mindset and growth mindset, both of which have implications for teachers. Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset. The new psychology of success: How we can learn to fulfill our potential. New York: Random House Inc.

Other People’s Children The author analyzes the power imbalances and dynamics of inequality that exist in public schools and classrooms today and their effects on children of color. Delpit, L. (2006). Other people’s children: Cultural conflict in the classroom. New York: New Press.

Promoting Academic Achievement Among English LearnersThis book summarizes and discusses research on the education of English language learners. The book is based primarily on two government-funded reviews of the research: Developing Literacy in Second-Language Learners: Report of the National Literacy Panel on Language-Minority Children and Youth (August & Shanahan, 2006) and Educating English Language Learners (Genesee, Lindholm-Leary, Saunders, U Christian, 2006). Goldenberg, C., & Coleman, R. (2010). Promoting academic achievement among English learners: A guide to the research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

The Skin that We SpeakThis book is divided into three sections. The first tells stories of personal struggles with language, identity, and status. In the second section, the author examines attitudes about language in classrooms, and suggests ways to address the negative consequences of those attitudes. The third section examines why and how teachers need to know the importance of language if they are to be successful with all students in their classrooms. Delpit, L., & Dowdy, J. K. (Eds.). (2008). The skin that we speak: Thoughts on language and culture in the classroom. New York: The New Press.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall DownThis non-fiction book presents a story based on the author’s anthropological study of an immigrant Hmong family in the U.S. and their very ill young daughter. Readers can come to better understanding of their own cultures as well as that of the Hmong people. Moreover, the story allows readers to consider how the relationship between physical and spiritual realities differs across cultures. Fadiman, A. (2001). The spirit catches you and you fall down: A Hmong child, her American doctors, and the collision of two cultures. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Subtractive SchoolingThis book is based on the author’s three-year study of academic achievement and the orientation to schooling among immigrant Mexican and Mexican-American students at a high school in Houston, Texas. She concludes that divisions between these students and staff create social relationships that are not caring but rather alienated or even hostile. As a result, the majority of students experience schooling as a “subtractive process.” The author defines this as a process that often takes away from students their social and cultural resources, leaving them vulnerable to school failure. Valenzuela, Angela. (1999). Subtractive schooling: U.S.-Mexican youth and the politics of caring. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press.

Teaching CommunityThis book is a series of essays by the author that combine critical thinking about education with autobiographical narratives. The author writes about struggles to integrate anti-racism and feminism into her practice with students preparing to be teachers. hooks, b. (2003). Teaching community: A pedagogy of hope. New York, NY: Routledge.

Teaching Diverse LearnersThis website provides access to information that promotes high achievement for English Language Learners. Information is relevant to teaching all diverse learners, including such topics as culturally responsive teaching, policy development for rural schools, family and community involvement, and links to research on issues that impact culturally and linguistically diverse students.

Teaching with Poverty in MindThe author begins this book by discussing the nature of poverty and proceeds to provide readers information and strategies for succeeding with economically disadvantaged students. He examines how poverty affects behavior and academic performance, proposes a “mind-set of change,” and then describes school-wide and classroom-level success factors. Jensen, D. (2009). Teaching with Poverty in Mind: What being poor does to kids’ brains and what schools can do about it. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Uprooting Racism
This book explores racism in politics, work, community, and family life. The author addresses white privilege and suggests ways for individuals and groups to challenge racism in society. Special features include exercises, questions, and suggestions to challenge assumptions and motivate readers toward social action. Kivel, P. (2011). Uprooting racism: How white people can work for racial justice (3rd ed.). Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada: New Society Publishers.

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
In this book, the author explains development of racial identity. In any racially mixed high school, you are likely to see Black, White, Latino, Asian Pacific, and American Indian youth clustered in their own groups in the cafeteria. Tatum examines the meaning of this self-segregation and raises questions adults and children have about race. Tatum, B. D. (2003). Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? And other conversations about race. New York, NY: Basic Books.

Videos and Films (phases 1, 4)

Clown
This diversity video combines drama and comedy to explore the effects of bias and racism in America. The film follows the lives of three “Clown-Americans” and their families as they make observations about life within their own experience of stereotypes based on their clown heritage.http://www.trainingabc.com/Clown-p-16482.html

The College Track: America’s Sorting Machine
This video allows viewers to learn more about the unintended consequences of educational tracking in public schools. Innovative model solutions are presented for teachers and parents to bring students who have been guided away from the college track back into this opportunity. Hosted by Emmy Award-winner Andre Braugher, the film showcases the stories of schools and communities that are successfully addressing this problem. Note that the video clip requires installation of Real One Media.http://www.trainingabc.com/The-College-Track-Americaa-s-Sorting-Machine-DVD-p-17940.html

Prejudice: More than Black and White
In this film, psychology professors Susan Fiske, of Princeton University, and Mahzarin Banaji, of Harvard University; representatives of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and other pro-tolerance groups; and victims of prejudice share their experiences and insights related to intolerance, discrimination, and violence. People whose lives were formerly characterized by racist or anti-gay behaviors now speak out for tolerance. Note that the video contains inflammatory language and images.http://ffh.films.com/dealerpreview/39150

The Pygmalion Effect: Managing the Power of Expectations High expectations lead to exceptional results for children and adults alike. This phenomenon, known as the Pygmalion Effect, has been documented in research and observed in both business and education environments. Viewers come to understand how positive and/or negative expectations create self-fulfilling prophecies and how to raise expectations for staff and students. http://www.crmlearning.com/pygmalion-effect-the-power-of-expectations-3rd-edition

Teaching Diverse Learners
A diverse learning environment benefits everyone, but it can put overwhelming pressure on an unprepared teacher. Produced by Illinois State University’s renowned College of Education and School of Communication, this two-part series empowers educators using real-world teaching methods—enabling them to overcome the obstacles and maximize the rewards of a diverse learning atmosphere. Teachers describe surprising, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming situations they encounter working with young people. New teachers can be well prepared to teach but unprepared for dealing with issues like pregnancy, gang activity, drug abuse, and difficult home lives that are daily realities for many students.http://ffh.films.com/dealerpreview/36172

Village of 100
This brief video answers the simple question: If we shrunk the earth’s population to a village of exactly 100 people, what would it look like? In three minutes, this program statistically approximates what that village would be like based on the existing global ratios of race, language, gender, age, educational status, and more. The result makes it clear that people need to develop tolerance and understanding.http://www.trainingabc.com/Village-of-100-Third-Edition-p-17531.html

Organizations Providing Assistance and Materials (phases 3, 4)

Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
The mission of the ADL is to “secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sector body of citizens.” Among other things, the organization develops and delivers educational programs and provides information about an array of issues related to discrimination. www.adl.org

Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence (CREDE)
Based at the University of California at Berkeley, CREDE is focused on improving the education of students whose academic success is challenged by language or cultural barriers, race, geographic location, or poverty. Among other resources, CREDE provides a CD-ROM series on Five Standards for Effective Pedagogy and has videotapes on the Five Standards model and on SIOP.

Center for the Study and Prevention of ViolenceThis research program of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS) at the University of Colorado at Boulder provides information and assistance to groups committed to understanding and preventing violence, particularly adolescent violence. The center offers an information clearinghouse for research and other resources, offers technical assistance for evaluation and development of violence prevention programs, conducts research on the causes of violence and the effectiveness of programs designed to prevent and intervene in violence, and implements a Safe Communities – Safe Schools Initiative. http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/index.html

Clearinghouse on Disability Information, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)This organization provides information about programs and initiatives for improving outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages. The website provides an array of supports to parents and individuals, school districts, and states in three main areas: special education, vocational rehabilitation, and research. Also provided are publications and products on many topics related to these three areas. www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)In addition to advocating for individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents, CEC provides professional development, specialized information, journals and newsletters, conventions and conferences, and special education publications. www.cec.sped.org

Ed Change
This educator-founded organization offers a variety of projects and resources, workshops and consulting services, and research-based information grounded in equity and social justice in schools and communities. The website includes links to other organizations that offer a variety of resources for educators. http://www.edchange.org/

The Education Alliance
The Education Alliance, based at Brown University, has expertise in such areas relevant to equity and diversity as culturally responsive teaching, gender equity, disproportionate representation, and differentiating language learning and special education.http://www.alliance.brown.edu

Equity Alliance
The Equity Alliance at Arizona State University works with principals, teachers, parents, community members, students, school boards, and other school leaders to create the environments necessary for culturally responsive schools. The Alliance offers a range of resources, including a newsletter (http://www.equityallianceatasu.org/pub/newsletter), curriculum and instructional strategies, and information about research-based practices.
Equity Assistance Centers (EAC)
There are 10 Regional Equity Assistance Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education under Title IV of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. They provide assistance to public schools in the areas of race, gender, and national origin to promote equal educational opportunities.

Exceptional ParentThis organization provides practical advice and up-to-date education information for families of children and adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Other interested audiences would be physicians, allied health care professionals, and education professionals who are involved in the care and development of these families. The group offers a monthly publication; website; communications projects; online, interactive seminars and teleconferences; and books, DVDs, and CDs on disability related subjects. www.eparent.com

Facing History and Ourselves
This organization promotes an approach that teaches students to critically examine historical events, most intensely the Holocaust, to help them understand the roots of racism and hatred and to promote a more humane and informed citizenry. The website provides educator resources and professional development opportunities. http://www.facinghistory.org

The Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior (IVDB)
This organization provides information to assist schools and social service agencies in addressing violence and destructive behavior both inside and outside schools, in order to ensure safety and promote the successful academic achievement and social development of children and youth. The website provides information regarding the implementation of Positive Behavior Support, a program that promotes the development of school environments based on safety, respect, and responsibility.

Intercultural Development Research Association(IDRA)
Based in San Antonio, Texas, IDRA is an independent, non-profit organization that advocates the right of every child to a quality education. IDRA conducts research and development activities; creates, implements and administers innovative education programs; and provides teacher, administrator, and parent training and technical assistance.

Multicultural and Native American Website, Nebraska Department of EducationThis website offers valuable tools, resources and information regarding multicultural education in Nebraska. The site offers newsletters, notices of workshops and conferences, and notices of grants and scholarships for educators and students. Multicultural and Native American Website

National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems(NCCRESt)
NCCRESt is dedicated to closing the achievement gap between students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and their peers. The organization also seeks to reduce inappropriate student referrals to special education. The center provides technical assistance and professional development to advance culturally responsive practices, early intervention, literacy, and positive behavioral supports. The program is currently located at The Equity Alliance at Arizona State University. http://www.nccrest.org; http://www.equityallianceatasu.org/

National Multicultural Institute (NMCI)
This organization’s mission is to work with individuals, organizations, and communities to create a stronger diverse society. NMCI addresses some of the important systemic issues of multiculturalism through organizational consulting, training, and publications. http://www.nmci.org

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
This Center, established by the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education, provides capacity-building information and technical assistance to schools for the purposes of identifying, adapting, and sustaining effective school-wide disciplinary practices. The website provides information regarding Positive Behavior Support (PBS), the research-based approach to systemic behavior strategies and interventions. www.pbis.org See also the Nebraska Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support website

Rethinking Schools
This website provides critical perspectives on issues of ethnic, racial, and linguistic diversity. The site is also a good source for books. Back issues of the Rethinking Schools magazine to fall 1995 are available in the online archives. http://www.rethinkingschools.org

Teaching Tolerance This project of the Southern Poverty Law Center provides news and support in the areas of diversity, equal opportunity, and respect for differences in schools. The website provides access to the Teaching Tolerance magazine (which is free to educators who request a subscription on school letterhead) and includes classroom activities, teaching kits, and other publications. http://www.tolerance.org

It is the policy of the Nebraska Department of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, age or national origin in its educational programs, admission policies, employment, or other agency programs.